A child’s health affects their ability to go to school and to learn when they’re in school. Did you know that the two main causes of school absences are asthma and dental pain? Emotional challenges and trauma also make it harder for children to learn.
Traumatic experiences in childhood can have a lasting impact on a child’s ability to concentrate, regulate their emotions, and learn—and can cause health problems later in life. Luckily, there are ways we can all help children thrive despite traumas they may have experienced, and even prevent future damage to their physical and mental health. Roanoke is working to become a trauma-informed community, meaning that we understand the impact early traumas have on children and on the adults they become. For more information on adverse childhood experiences, visit https://centerforyouthwellness.org/.
Star City Reads partners are working to make sure that all Roanoke City children are healthy and able to learn. Here are some ways our partners support family health:
CHIP: If you’re an expecting mother and/or have a child under age 5, and have Medicaid, you may be eligible for visits and other services from Child Health Investment Partnership. CHIP offers health services, including asthma management support, dental varnishes, and more. To learn more, visit https://chiprv.org/.
DSS at the Library: Through a new partnership between Carilion Pediatric Clinic, the Department of Social Services, and the Roanoke Public Libraries, families can now meet with DSS caseworkers at the Main Library downtown! DSS is available at the Main Library every Wednesday from 10:30-1:30. No appointment necessary.
Feed and Read: A hungry child cannot learn. In partnership with Feeding America Southwest Virginia, children receive free lunches six days a week during the summer at every library branch and afterschool snacks six days a week during the school year.
[Poster]
Star City Reads Health Partners:
Carilion Pediatric Clinic: https://www.carilionclinic.org/locations/carilion-childrens-pediatric-medicine-jefferson-plaza
CHIP: https://chiprv.org/
City of Roanoke Human/Social Services: https://www.roanokeva.gov/372/Social-Services
Feeding America Southwest Virginia: https://www.faswva.org/
Virginia Department of Health: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/roanoke/
For more information, visit: https://gradelevelreading.net/our-work/health-determinants-for-early-school-success